Memorial Service For Hannah Anderson's Mom, Brother, To Be Held

Posted:
08/24/2013 8:34 am EDT
Updated:
10/24/2013 5:12 am EDT

This Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013 photo released by NBC shows Hannah Anderson during an interview for the "Today" show in San Diego, Calif., that aired on Thursday, Aug. 22. Anderson, whose mother and brother were killed by a family friend, James Lee DiMaggio, was abducted by DiMaggio and fled to the Idaho wilderness before he was killed by authorities. This was her first news interview since her dramatic rescue Aug. 10. (AP Photo/NBC, Jesse Grant) | AP

SANTEE, Calif. — Calling their deaths "an abomination," a priest memorialized a California mother and young son killed by a family friend who also abducted the woman's 16-year-old daughter.

Saturday's service for Christina Anderson and 8-year-old Ethan Anderson at the Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church in Santee was open to the public.

"For the death of Tina and Ethan there are no easy words," the Rev. Kevin Casey told the memorial gathering, according to the Los Angeles Times ( ). "We are touched by this evil and we can never be the same again." http://lat.ms/157LSe3

The pair were found at the home of James Lee DiMaggio, who set it ablaze earlier this month and then took off with Hannah Anderson. The tearful teenager entered the church carrying a blown-up photo of her mother and brother. Their remains, and those of the family dog that was found shot to death in the burning house, were blessed by a priest during the service.

DiMaggio was killed by FBI agents Aug. 10 in the Idaho wilderness, ending a six-day search that spanned much of the western United States and parts of Canada and Mexico.

Authorities have declined to discuss a possible motive in the deaths and haven't addressed other details of the case, including how Hannah was treated by DiMaggio during the ordeal.

"We struggle with deaths like this because they are not right. They are an abomination," Casey said.

Investigators have said DiMaggio set fire to his home using a timer, giving him a 20-hour jump on law enforcement.

DiMaggio's family has requested paternity tests to determine if the suspect fathered the children.

Hannah's father, Brett Anderson, gave his DNA to investigators to confirm Ethan's identity. DiMaggio named Hannah's grandmother, Bernice Anderson, as the sole beneficiary of his employer-issued life insurance policy, making her eligible to receive $112,000.

Also on The Huffington Post

Close



Hannah Anderson Breaks Her Silence Online

of





Hannah Anderson was asked to confirm her identity while answering questions on her Ask.fm page, so she uploaded a selfie.

What design did you get on your nails? (:
"Pink for my mom and blue for Ethan," Anderson replied.

Is this really you? Can you take a spoon pic?
"Yeah," Anderson responded

Anderson turned down requests to be interviewed by reporters at media outlets.